WASHINGTON — Congressional negotiators reached an agreement late Sunday on a broad spending package to fund the government through the end of September, alleviating fears of a government shutdown later this week, several congressional aides said. Congress is expected to vote on the roughly $1 trillion package early this week. The bipartisan agreement includes policy victories […]
politics
Posted inOp-Eds
Legislature must increase funding for roads, bridges
Maine roads have taken a real beating this winter, made worse by years of deferred maintenance. So, too, have state bridges, rail lines, airports and seaports lacked proper maintenance. Our statewide transportation infrastructure is suffering, and the cost of delaying fixes is only making matters worse. Maine’s 21st-century economy needs a 21st-century transportation network. It’s […]
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Posted inOp-Eds
Ann Coulter was right
Look, I’m the guy who once called her a “viperous harridan,” OK? That was 11 years ago in this space. I described her as such after she savaged four widows whose husbands died in the Sept. 11 attacks, denouncing them as “witches” and “broads” who were “enjoying their husbands’ deaths.” So I don’t need to […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Conservative journalists get the real news
President Trump did something Monday I have long advocated. He met with a small group of conservative journalists, pundits and radio talk show hosts. I was among them. After ticking off a list of what he said were his accomplishments leading up to the arbitrary 100-day marker of his presidency, we asked him questions. What […]
Posted inMaine
Maine agency says lottery does not take advantage of gamblers
A customer purchases a Mega Millions lottery ticket at a store in Damariscotta on July 8, 2016. AUGUSTA — A watchdog agency concluded a months-long probe Friday with the finding that the Maine Lottery Commission does not target vulnerable socio-economic populations within Maine for its more than $250 million a year in sales. The Office […]
Posted inMaine
Gov. Paul LePage sign Maine Real ID bill into law
AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has signed a bill that will put Maine on track to complying with federal Real ID standards and avoiding problems for Mainers accessing federal facilities or boarding domestic flights. LePage, who had urged the Legislature to quickly pass LD 306, made the announcement Friday morning. “It is in the best interest […]
Posted inMaine
Maine judiciary warns against ballot question reform
AUGUSTA — Maine’s judicial branch is warning lawmakers that a proposal to reform ballot questions could jeopardize the separation of powers. Maine Public reports judicial branch spokeswoman Mary Ann Lynch took the rare step of testifying against the bill this week. Republican Sen. Eric Brakey’s bill would allow the Legislature, governor and attorney general to […]
Posted inMaine
Legislature considers bill to strengthen sex assault laws
AUGUSTA — State lawmakers are considering a bill that would make it easier for victims to report sexual offenses and increase convictions for crimes that now go unpunished, according to its sponsor. Supporters of LD 654 testified before the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee earlier this month that the bill would tighten up laws surrounding […]
Posted inNation / World
Bill to fund government 1 more week on Donald Trump’s desk
WASHINGTON (AP) — Coverage of efforts in Congress to repeal the health care law and agree on a spending bill to keep the government open (all times local): Updated 12:01 p.m.: Congress has sent President Donald Trump a short-term spending bill preventing a partial government shutdown on Saturday, his 100th day in office. But lawmakers […]
Posted inMaine
State Democrats eye bond to provide $250 million for student debt relief
AUGUSTA — Hoping to lend a hand to cash-strapped young adults, Democrats are pushing for a student loan forgiveness program that would help lure recent college graduates to Maine. Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, said the “pretty bold initiative” would offer to pay off half a graduate’s student loan debt and refinance the rest at low […]